On his birthday, Virbhadra says he’s in fray for next term

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who turned 82 Thursday, made it emphatically clear that he was neither retiring from electoral politics nor taking a backseat in the run-up to the 2017 Assembly elections. “The elections in the state will be held as per schedule,” the CM said, adding that even if they were held today, the BJP will be defeated badly. Asked if he was pitching for a seventh term as CM, Virbhadra Singh said: “I have enjoyed a lot of affection from the people, mainly the poor sections.



from https://in.news.yahoo.com/birthday-virbhadra-says-fray-next-020600566.html

After Pathankot attack, Virbhadra Singh objects to India-Pakistan World T20 clash in Dharamshala

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Thursday opposed holding the India-Pakistan clash at the Dharamshala cricket stadium during the World T20. Speaking to the Indian Express, Virbhadra said, "As Chief Minister it's my duty to extend full support to the BCCI for holding World T20 and I have given my consent. "What will happen to the sentiments of the martyrs' families when the Pakistan team play the match on the same soil, barely few kilometres from their homes.

from https://in.news.yahoo.com/pathankot-attack-virbhadra-singh-objects-203000920.html

CM pays tributes to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi

Chief Minister Mr Virbhadra Singh today offered floral tributes to the former Prime Minister of India, late Mr Rajiv Gandhi on his statue at Rajiv Chowk, Chhota Shimla, to mark celebration of his 71st birth Anniversary.

Chief Minister was joined by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr Rohit Thakur, Mr Nand Lal and Mr Inderdutt Lakhanpal,   MLAs Mr Karan Singh and Mr Kishori Lal, Dy. Mayor, MC Shimla Mr Tikender Panwar, President, DCC Shimla Rural Mr Kehar Singh Khachi, Ex Mayor  Mr Adarsh Sood, Councilors of MC Shimla, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Mr Dinesh Malhotra, Commissioner, MC Shimla Mr Yunus and other  prominent persons and dignitaries of the town.

Artists of Information and Public Relations sung devotional and patriotic songs on the occasion.

CBI registers preliminary enquiry against Virbhadra Singh

CBI today initiated an inquiry against Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his family members for allegedly amassing wealth of Rs 6.1 crore disproportionate to the known sources of income while serving as Union Minister of Steel.

CBI sources said the preliminary inquiry is against Singh, his wife Pratibha Singh, son Vikramaditya Singh, daughter Aparajita Singh and an LIC agent Anand Chauhan.

The PE will probe with a disproportionate assets perspective the alleged unexplained income of Rs 6.1 crore during the period 2009-11 when he was serving as the Minister of Steel in the UPA Government, the sources said.

They said it is alleged that Singh while serving as the Union Minister has invested Rs 6.1 crore in life insurance policies in his and his family members' names through LIC agent Chauhan.

They said PE is the first step to examine veracity of a complaint or source information received by the agency and if prima facie allegations are found true further probe is carried out by converting it as FIR also known as regular case.



Source:PTI

Virbhadra Singh for consensus elections to Congress committees

The elections to State Congress Committee should be held in free and fair manner after arriving at consensus by taking all the party leaders into confidence, Chief minister Virbhadra Singh today said.

Talking to media persons on the side lines of three days State Congress conclave here today, he said that all those who had been expelled from the party for one reason or the other should be taken back into the party keeping into account the hard work and efforts they had made while in the party.

Singh stressed the need of holding such conventions at the grass root level from time to time for better coordination amongst the workers and the party leadership.

Besides he also underlined the need of such meetings right from the block level so that the people could have their say in the party matters.

Referring to the opposition BJP, which is agitating to press the demand for CBI probe into clash between the BJYM and Youth Congress at BJP office here on January 29, Singh said that "I hope that the opposition will play a positive role in budget session and discuss the issues pertaining to development of the State and welfare of the common man."

Chief Minister said that such conventions all over the country under the guidance of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi were proving to be inspirational and instilling confidence amongst the party workers and would prove to strengthen the cadre countrywide.

He also thanked AICC General Secretary and state party in charge Ambika Soni for her valuable suggestions and guidelines.

Soni, said that Congress party stands for struggle for the rights of the people of the country and called on the workers to inspire party leadership with their enthusiasm.

"Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has toured the state record number of times and has worked towards resolving the issues of party workers and general public. All the party leaders should also follow Singh's example and start touring the state," she said.

She also said that the rebel Congress leaders should be taken back into the party's fold after taking into consideration the merit of the disciplinary proceedings initiated against them.

Virbhadra advocates creation of Permanent Regional Council for Hilly States in Niti Aayog

Virbhadra Singh, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has made valuable suggestions to make the National Institution for Transforming India-NITI Aayog, more relevant in the present perspective and categorically, advocated for establishment of Permanent Regional Council and creation of a separate Hill Division for Hilly States and Special Category States to cater to the aspirations of the people of these States. He also suggested that the proposed Hill Division in the NITI Aayog could act as a permanent secretariat for this Regional Council.

The Chief Minister was expressing his views in the maiden meeting of Governing Council of NITI Aayog held here at 7- Race Course in New Delhi today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the meeting and Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of various States and Lt. Governors of Union Territories participated. The main objective of this meeting was to give proper shape to this newly constituted Institution in place of Planning Commission and also take views on different developmental aspects and schemes from important stake-holders of the Country.

Expressing his views on various agenda items, the Chief Minister suggested that there should also be the representation from the States by rotation in the Executive Body of the NITI Aayog, irrespective of political party in the power in the States. He also stressed that the resource allocation for financing the Annual Plans in the shape of Special Central Assistance and Special Plan Assistance should continue to flow to the Hill States, keeping in view the peculiar challenges prevailing in these States. He also suggested that the process of consultation between the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog and Chief Ministers as well as between the CEO of NITI Aayog and Chief Secretaries should continue for finalization of Annual Plans.

Projecting his vision on developmental priorities particularly on creation of job opportunities and inclusive growth, the Chief Minister apprised that Himachal Pradesh has already launched various ambitious programmes and incentives for imparting vocational training to the youth in the State. Skill upgradation of youth should be given top priority in order to increase the employability and also to fulfill the needs of skilled manpower in the industrial sector, he added.

Stressing the need for creating enabling environment for industries,  Virbhadra Singh said that a definite mechanism should be evolved to clear projects in time-bound manner and apprised that Himachal Pradesh has already started clearance to projects through a single window system. He demanded that hilly and special category States should be provided special package of incentives to attract industries so that ‘Make in India’ programme may not remain confined to few already industrially advanced States. He also urged for liberal funding to protect handicraft sector in such States.

Virbhadra Singh raised the issue of delegation of power under the Forest Conservation Act in respect of hilly and special category States and suggested that roads should be covered in the list of permissible projects so as to ensure timely execution of various developmental projects. He also raised the issue of delegation of powers to issue environment clearances of hydro-power projects to the States to harness the clean energy expeditiously.

Appreciating the initiative- ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ of Central Government,  Virbhadra Singh said that there was a need to bring change in the attitude of the society to realize the objective of the scheme. He appraised the stake-holders that Himachal Pradesh has already launched series of programme to ensure proper education and health facilities to the girl child and said that the ‘Beti Hai Anmol’ scheme was being implemented successfully in the State. He also informed that the State Government was providing free education to the girls upto college level. Recently, World Bank in its report has also appreciated the efforts of the State Government in education, health, women empowerment and rural development in the State, he added.

Raising his concern over the curtailment in allocation of funds under MNREGA, the Chief Minister suggested that central funds for this scheme should come to the States as per their demand and apprised that Himachal Pradesh has a good track record in implementing the centrally sponsored schemes started for the benefits of the weaker sections of the society. He also raised the voice to give priority and adopt  liberal approach towards hilly states like Himachal Pradesh while sanctioning Central funds and projects keeping in view the tough topo-graphical conditions prevailing in the States, where developmental cost also remain high while executing the projects.

Virbhadra Singh also gave his suggestions on various other issues in environment, health, electricity and drinking water and assured the members of NITI Aayog that Himachal Pradesh would always be the pioneer State in implementing the ambitious projects in the State.

V.C.Pharka, the Additional Chief Secretary and  Srikant Baldi, the Principal Secretary (Finance) also participated in the meeting.

CM directs to complete developmental schemes in stipulated time

Chief Minister, Sh Virbhadra Singh said that all the developmental schemes like Irrigation and Public Health (IPH), Public Works Department (PWD) or Electricity department should be completed in a time bound manner. Citing few experiences of Chopal area in allotting tenders to more than one contractor for few IPH schemes, he said that action would be taken against those officers who would allot the work of any such single scheme to more than one contractor. He was presiding over the Review meeting of 20 Point Programme at Bachat Bhawan in Shimla today. Expressing concern over the delay in execution of major works being implemented in the district the Chief Minister asked the officers of IPH, PWD and Electricity Board to debar and blacklist the contractors for five years who fail to start the work for a longer period after allotment of tenders to them. He said that such contractors won’t be eligible and would not be allowed to participate in the tender process for a period of not less than five years. He said that all the illegal water connections be disconnected and the officers to report the same within five days. Seeking status of the water supply schemes in Chopal Constituency, Chief Minister asked the department to complete all the schemes soon. The Chief Minister said that wherever the amount had been sanctioned for construction of toilets in the schools, the construction work should be completed within two months in all such schools. “Toilets should be constructed in all schools right from Primary to Senior Secondary Schools throughout the State”, said he.

“I don’t want a single school in the State to be without toilets and the education department should construct the toilets in all schools of the State by the end of this fiscal on priority”, said the Chief Minister adding that the quality of the construction should be ensured and separate toilets to be constructed for boys and Girls in the School.

Essential steps would be taken to expedite the work on the Channelisation of the Pabbar River and directed the officers concerned to put up the Detailed Project Report after completing necessary formalities pending with Central Water and Power Management. He said that the process of channelization of the Pabbar River may be taken up as soon as possible. The Chief Minister exhorted the people to participate voluntarily in the afforestation drive so as to increase the forest cover in the State. He said that our forests should be conserved at all costs, adding that the target should be to plant double the trees than those which were grounded due to natural reasons or otherwise so as to maintain the nature’s balance. He urged for planting the broad leave plants and other such species so that it fulfills the need of food, fodder and fuel. He also stressed the need for maintenance of common forest paths. The Chief Minister also directed to remove the encroachments on the forest lands throughout the State. The Chief Minister asked to complete the works on the ongoing roads in the district on priority and maintenance works be under taken simultaneously. “The People should also co-operate in construction of the roads in their area and voluntarily donate land for construction of the roads” he added. He said that the remaining left out road construction work in the remote Dhar Chanana Panchayat in Chopal be undertaken afresh. The Chief Minister said that issue of land be solved for construction of Samoli bypass in Rohru in Shimla district so as to facilitate the people. The widening work of Rohru- Chargaon road should be taken up on priority and the road to Dodra from Chargaon onwards be metalled, said he. He directed to improve Nahar-Tikkar-Baghi-Narkanda road for smooth flow of vehicular traffic. He also directed the officers for taking up the issue of Forest Clearance for roads. The Chief Minister directed the officers of the Electricity department to replace the poles and if there was any shortage of funds, the estimate be submitted to the Government so that adequate measures may be taken. He also asked to replace electric poles and repair the transmission lines/wires from Neerath to Kharang. He asked for disciplinary action against those who didn’t re-store the electricity meters despite the payments of the Bills, in the Sunni area of the district. A separate feeder of electricity would also be provided from Chabba soon for solving the low voltage problems of the area, said he. The Chief Minister also invited suggestions from the Panchayat Representatives and directed the officers to complete all the ongoing projects in the district within a stipulated time-period and warned of disciplinary action for delay in execution of schemes. Taking cognizance of the complaints regarding LPG re-fills, their delay in delivery in far-flung areas of Shimla district and their less weight, the Chief Minister directed the Indian Oil officers to take appropriate steps in this direction. Later while addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said “I assure you that all the pending development works would be completed soon and the grievances redressed accordingly”. He said that this meeting of 20-Point Programme should be held at-least twice a year so that problems of the people could be taken up and solved at the earliest. He said that the Government was committed for the welfare of the people. Today the State was making rapid progress in every field besides in agriculture and horticulture sector. Earlier our economy was dependant on potatoes but as on today, the off season vegetables and shifting of cropping pattern had improved the economy and livelihood of the people. The Chief Minister said that Roads, Health, Education, Forests & its conservation of forests was priority of our Government. He said that around 95 thousand trees were used to be grounded for making the apple boxes earlier and many trees were used to be chopped off illegally under the garb of this. The Government took a strong decision to use corrugated apple boxes so that our forest wealth could be preserved. He cautioned to be aware of those who divide the people of the State on the basis of caste, region and religion and for their own political mileage. He said that there was need to strengthen the country as well as the State. Earlier, the Chief Minster dedicated the Conference Hall named Rosan Hall, Disaster Management Call Centre, e-stamping Centre and National Land Record Sugam Centre which is a modernized Centre with facility of digitized cadastral (Musaavis) maps. Deputy Commissioner Shimla Sh Dinesh Malhotra, while welcoming the Chief Minister said that the States economy mainly rests upon the horticulture and agriculture sector and attributed the overall development of the State to the vision and stewardship of Shri Virbhadra Singh. He said that district Shimla was contributing an amount of Rs 3500 crore annually to the States Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said the State had been adjudged first in implementation of 20 Point Programme and Shimla was again adjudged as the first district for the same. He also counted the development activities undertaken in various centrally sponsored schemes being implemented in the district. He assured for completion of on going works on priority and sought further guidelines and direction from the Chief Minister.

Smt Vidya Stokes, Irrigation and Public Health Minister, Shri Nand Lal and Shri Rohit Thakur, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Shri Balbir Verma, Shri Anirudh Singh, Shri Mohan Lal Bragta, MLAs, Shri Subhash Manglet, Chairman APMC, Shri Brij Lal Chairman Kailash Federation, Shri Atul Sharma Vice-Chairman, HPSIDC, Shri Harish Janartha, Vice-Chairman HPTDC, Shri KS Khachi, President District Congress Committee (Rural), Members of Zila Parishad, Pradhans of Gram Panchayats, and Panchayat Samitis and officers of various department were present on the occasion.

Construction of roads in backward areas top priority: Virbhadra

Shimla, Jan 27 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh Monday said special emphasis would be laid on construction of roads in the backward areas.

Presiding over the state planning board meeting to approve the draft annual plan for 2014-15, he said a Rs.4,400-crore annual plan was proposed for the next fiscal, which was 7.32 percent more than 2013-14.

He said Rs.1,108 crore was proposed for Scheduled Castes sub-plan while Rs.395 crore would be spent under the Scheduled Tribes sub-plan.

The chief minister said Rs.1,085 crore was proposed for the social service sector, which is 38 percent of the total Plan.

Transport and communication have also been accorded priority and Rs.817 crore marked for these two sectors.

He said a provision of Rs.648 crore was made for tapping hydropower while Rs.545 crore would be made available for the horticulture and agriculture sectors, the backbone of the state's economy.

Source: http://in.news.yahoo.com/construction-roads-backward-areas-top-priority-virbhadra-125217395--finance.html

Govt. ensuring planned development of urban areas-CM

Chief Minister Mr. Virbhadra Singh stated that State Government was ensuring planned and systematic development of the urban areas with special focus on strengthening essential civic services and infrastructure. He said that housing units were being developed in major towns of the State and 18 projects had been sent for approval to the Union Ministry of Urban Development for small and medium towns under Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme amounting to Rs. 406.32 crore.
Chief Minister was speaking after laying foundation stone of construction of 328 dwelling units at Lower Barol in Dharamshala under Integrated Housing and Slum Development Project (IHSDP) today. He also laid foundation stone of Faculty House cum College Canteen for Government College of Teachers Education at Dharamshala which will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 3.10 crore.
Mr. Virbhadra Singh, earlier, laid foundation stone of Multi Purpose building of District Red Cross Society, Kangra at Dharamshala to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 582.80 lakh. The building will have facility of Guest House, Cretch, Conference-cum-Training Hall, space for commercial activities along-with parking for 40 vehicles. He lauded the efforts of the District Red Cross Society in serving the suffering humanity in time of distress and undertaking various welfare activities for the needy, poor and weaker sections of the society. He said that all district units of the Red Cross Society had been rendering their valuable services and efforts were being made to expand their activities with the participation of people.
On this occasion, he also handed over wheel chairs to Smt. Babita Kumari and Mr. Vinod Kumar of Kangra Tehsil. He also presented hearing aid equipments to Mr. Saurabh Kapoor, Mr. Dhani Ram, Mr. Gian Chand, Mr. Kirlu Ram and Mr. Shyam Lal, all from Kangra district on behalf of Red Cross Society.
The Chief Minister announced to upgrade GPS Lugat to Middle School, GMS Uttarpur in Gram Panchayat Bijapur to High School and GHS Lower Lamba Gaon to Senior Secondary School during his visit to Jaisinghpur constituency last evening. He also announced to open Ayurvedic Dispensary at Uttarpur.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mr. G.S. Bali, Urban Development Minister Mr. Sudhir Sharma, President, Dharamshala Block Congress Mr. Suresh Pappi, Chairman, HP School Education Board Mr. Balbir Tegta, Director Higher Education Mr. Dinkar Burathoki, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mr. Rohan Thakur, Superintendent of Police Mr. Balbir Thakur and other prominent persons were present on the occasion among others.

Chief Minister announces Sub-Tehsil for Panchrukhi

‘To better understand the aspirations and expectations of common man, I am personally touring every corner of the State so that the grievances of the people are redressed at their very door step’ said Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh while addressing a massive public meeting at Panchrukhi in district Kangra today.

He reiterated the resolve of the Government for uniform and equitable development of the State with special emphasis on development of the far flung and remote areas. He said that the successive Congress Governments ensured all-round development of the State whereas BJP Governments had always neglected the interests of the State and divided the people in the name of regionalism and casteism. He also expressed concern over the declining dignity of the State politics and said that people could not be misled for long by those in opposition.

He announced to open Sub Tehsil at Panchrukhi in Jaisinghpur assembly constituency of Kangra district and also announced to open Primary Health Centre at Majhera and taking over the Swami Vivekanand Gramodaya College, Shivnagar under government control.

The Chief Minister announced to upgrade GHS Andreta and Salyana to Government Senior Secondary Schools alongwith starting Science and Commerce classes in Andreta School and Science classes in Salyana School. He also announced to upgrade Government Middle School Bakhana. He said that the work on Nadli road would be completed on war footing besides starting science classes in GSSS Majhera and Makol.

Earlier, he inaugurated the bridge over Sukkar khad on Jalog-Arath-Pat-Tatrala-Nahalana road constructed at a cost of Rs. 88 lakh under NABARD. He also inaugurated another bridge over Sukkar (Danel) khad on Sandrola-Karanghat road constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.51 crore. He inaugurated additional accommodation of GSSS Makol constructed at a cost of Rs. 91 lakh and Science Block of GSSS Majhera constructed at a cost of Rs. 79 lakh. He also inaugurated Lift Water Supply Scheme Shantivan which has been completed by spending an amount of Rs. 55.49 lakh. This scheme would benefit around 2450 people of Lugat, Parman, Khajurnu and Kangri villages. Shri Virbhadra Singh was accorded rousing reception at various places on his visit to Jaisinghpur assembly segment.

Shri G.S. Bali, Food and Civil Supplies Minister, said that the present Government had initiated various innovative schemes to benefit the common man. He said that Government was providing subsidy worth crores of rupees for subsidized ration to all ration card holders besides power subsidy.

Shri Bali announced to start a new bus service between Palampur and Chandigarh via Panchrukhi-Tinbar-Jaisinghpur.

Shri Yadvinder Goma, local MLA welcomed the Chief Minister and said that the pace of development had been accelerated in the constituency after formulation of Congress Government in the State. He thanked the Chief Minister for announcing Sub Tehsil at Panchrukhi and upgradation of various schools in the area. Shri Chander Kumar, former Minister thanked the Chief Minister for sanctioning various major developmental projects for Kangra district. Shri Jagdish Sipahiya, Chairman, Kangra Central Cooperative Bank also spoke on the occasion. Shri Jaswant Singh Dadwal, President, Jaisinghpur Block Congress welcomed the Chief Minister. Shri Jagjivan Pal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Shri Pawan Kajal and Shri Kishori Lal, MLA’s, Shri Milkhi Ram Goma, Ex-MLA, Kumari Manbhari Devi, President, State Mahila Congress, Shri Balbir Tegta, Chairman, H.P. Board of School Education, Dharamshala and other prominent persons were present on the occasion.

Himachal hikes aid to freedom fighters, dependents

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh announced substantial hike in honorarium of widows and unmarried daughters of freedom fighters from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per month.

He also announced increase in grant-in-aid for marriage of daughters of freedom fighters from Rs 10,000 to Rs 51,000 and granddaughters from Rs 10,000 to Rs 21,000. The amount for last rites was increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively for the freedom fighters and their wives.

Presiding over the conference of state Freedom Fighters at Bilaspur, he said Congress had always looked after the interests of the freedom fighters and their families.

He said wives and unmarried daughters of 813 freedom fighters were being provided honorarium which included 96 living freedom fighters.

He accused the previous BJP government for ignoring freedom fighters.

The state had enhanced the 'honorarium' of freedom fighters from Rs 7,500 to Rs 10,000 per month from September 1, 2013.

Their dependents were allowed two per cent reservation in the government jobs while provision had been made for reserving one seat in MBBS, Dental and Ayurvedic colleges.

Lauding the people of Bilaspur town for their contribution to the nation's development, he said the old town was submerged due to construction of Bhakra Dam and many families were uprooted.

The Congress government had taken effective steps for rehabilitation of affected families and most of them had been provided plots while remaining families would be rehabilitated in next two-theree years.

He said that state governemnt had already announced plans to regularise encroachments by such families in the town.

The state would also regularise the houses constructed by the Balmiki community and also provide plots to houseless families, he said.

Transfer urban forest area to civic body: SMC

Demanding transfer of the urban forest area within the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) limits to the civic body, a delegation met chief minister Virbhadra Singh on Tuesday.

A deputation of the SMC was led by mayor Sanjay Chauhan along with the councillors. The deputation urged the chief minister to transfer the urban forest area within the corporation limit to the Shimla MC as it was being maintained by the MC since its inception as a municipal body.

They apprised him that the state government had partially handed over the urban forest area measuring 842.13 hectares to the Shimla MC in 2011 keeping the balance forest areas measuring 1,038 hectares and no rights were given to the MC as it had prior to 2006.

The recent cabinet decision on September 25 had decided to transfer the urban forest area from the Shimla MC to the HP state forest department.

Chauhan said the income accrued from urban forest within the municipal corporation limits had not been shared with the SMC by the forest department.

The forest department has earned a revenue of `10.38 crore since 2011 till now from these forests. He said the SMC was paying salaries to the employees of the municipal forest department, who were on deputation or secondment basis with the SMC which sums to `6.36 lakh per month.

Chauhan said the urban forest was the constitutional right of the civic body as enshrined in the 12th schedule of 1974 Constitutional Amendment that states that the urban forest management was required to be under the control of the local body.

Besides, the civic body is required to control over the forests also because this is one of the mandates under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), he added. The delegation also urged the chief minister to enhance their honorarium.

Chief Minister visits PGIMER to inquire about the Health of Chief Secretary

Chief Minister Shri Virbharda Singh today visited PGIMER, Chandigarh to inquire about the health condition of the Chief Secretary, Shri Sudripta Roy, who has undergone a surgery for brain hemorrhage.

Chief Minister interacted with the doctors attending the Chief Secretary and also met Smt. Chandna Roy, the wife of Chief Secretary and other family members. He assured the family of the Chief Secretary that State Government and the people of the state were with them in this hour of distress. He wished speedy recovery to Shri Roy. 

Dr. Yogesh Kumar Chawla, Director, PGIMER briefed the Chief Minister about the health of the Chief Secretary.

Chief Minister Inspects Himachal Sarai & Sadan.

Chief Minister today inspected Himachal Sarai and Himachal Sadan in Chandigarh. He directed the officer incharge of PWD to maintain proper hygienic conditions and maintenance of the buildings so that visitors did not face any inconvenience. 

He said that Himachal Sarai and Himachal Sadan had been constructed to facilitate the patients of Himachal Pradesh undergoing treatment at PGIMER and there should be no laxity in providing them better facilities. 

Shri Hardeep Singh Baba, Chairman, H.P. Buildings and other construction Welfare Board, Shri T.G. Negi, Advisor to Chief Minister, Shri V.C. Pharka, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Shri Ali Raza Rizvi Principal Secretary Health, Shri Madan Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Solan, Shri Ramesh Chhajta, Superintendent of Police Solan, Shri N.K. Lath, Additional Deputy Commissioner Shimla, Shri P.C. Akela, Registrar PGI and Shri K.R. Saizal Administrator Officer PGI were also present among others.

Virbhadra Singh

Son of late Raja Sir Padam Singh of Bushahr State; born on 23rd June 1934 at Sarahan, District Shimla; B.A. (Hons.), M.A.; educated at Bishop Cotton School, Shimla and St. Stephen's College, Delhi; Married to Smt. Pratibha Singh; One son and four daughters; Agriculturist and Horticulturist.

• Remained President (elected) Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee in 1977,1979 & 1980.
• Elected to third Lok Sabha in 1962 and to fourth Lok Sabha in 1967 from the then Mahasu constituency; was returned to fifth Lok Sabha in 1971, seventh Lok Sabha in 1980 and to fifteenth Lok Sabha in May 2009 (fifth term) from Mandi constituency;
• Remained Member, Estimates Committee, Lok Sabha, ii) Railways Convention Committee; and Chairman, Petitions Committee, Lok Sabha;
• Remained Deputy Minister, Tourism and Civil Aviation, 31-12-1976 to 24-3-1977;
•  Minister of State for Industries, 11-9-1982 to 8-4-1983;
• Union Minister of Steel, 28 May, 2009 to 19 Jan, 2011
• Union Minister of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) from 19th January 2011 to 26 June, 2012.

        Elected to the State Legislative Assembly from Jubbal-Kotkhai (twice) first in a by-election in October 1983 and again in a general election in 1985 before being elected from adjoining Rohru constituency in 1990, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2007 which has now been reserved for S.C after delimitation.

• Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh, from 8th April, 1983 to 5th March, 1990,
• Remained Chief Minister, from 3rd December, 1993 to 23rd March, 1998
• Remained Chief Minister, from 6th March, 2003 to 29th December, 2007;
• Leader of Opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, March 1998 to March 2003.

        Became President of HPCC on 26th August, 2012; elected to Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly for the 8th time in December, 2012 from Shimla Rural Assembly Constituency and sworn as Chief Minister of the Himachal Pradesh for the sixth time on 25 December, 2012.

• Special Interest : Social Welfare.
• Languages Known : Hindi, English
• Travels Abroad : Member: 9th Indian delegation to the General Assembly, United Nations,1976, ii) various parliamentary and govt. delegations to U. K., U.S.A., France, Germany, USSR (now Russia) Afghanistan, Nepal, Ghana, Yugoslavia, Guinea, Senegal, Lebanon, Kuwait, Syria and Egypt. Also traveled to various other countries of Europe, America, Middle East and Far East.
• Favourite Pastime : Reading, gardening,
• Sports: Member, Indian International Centre, New Delhi and Shimla Amateur Dramatic Club Gaiety Shimla.
• Awards: i) Silver Elephant award for contribution in Scouts and Guides Movement; ii) Golden Peacock Environment, Leadership award for Promotion of Environment, Wildlife, Environment Governance & Eco-Tourism.
• Social Activities : Remained Chairman, Pradesh Sahitya Samelan; President Sanskrit Sahitya Sammelan and Friends of Soviet Union (now Russia) Society (H.P. State branch); and also remained honorary Captain, Indian Army.

Anurag Thakur seeks Virbhadra’s resignation

BJP MP and President of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Anurag Thakur on Thursday demanded the resignation of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his wife Pratibha Singh who is also an MP. Thakur said the Chief Minister and his wife should explain why Rs 3.95 crore was deposited in their accounts by one Bakamullah Chandrashekhar. He demanded that a CBI inquiry should be conducted on the matter.

Thakur, while addressing a press conference here on Thursday said, that while Rs 2.40 crore has been deposited in the account of the Chief Minister, Rs 1.50 crore was deposited in his wife's account. "The Chief Minister explain as to why the amount was deposited in his account, whether it was for some work or for some trade. Why is the Chief Minister not replying to the allegations? Why is he not facing the media and cancelling his travel plans?" asked Thakur.

He further alleged that the income and investment of the Chief Minister has increased manifold. The LIC policies that were of several lakhs till a few years back have now increased to several crores. He said that BJYM would take to the streets to demand his resignation the same way they forced the resignation of former Railways Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal in the wake of the rail bribery scam.

On being asked about the case registered against him and his brother in an alleged land scam, Thakur said that all the allegations were false and were made due to political vendetta.

Dhumal-Virbhadra tussle rakes up personal finance deals

Vendetta politics has turned into a battle between Virbhadra and Dhumal families in Himachal Pradesh. On Wednesday, Arun Dhumal, younger son of former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, pointed fingers at the around Rs 4 crore loan taken by chief minister Virbhadra Singh and his MP-wife Pratibha Singh from a private individual, while Congress ministers, in retaliation, hit back at Arun, accusing him of cheating his partners at Delhi Public School, Jalandhar. 

Addressing mediapersons in Shimla on Wednesday, Arun Dhumal, who has opened a front against chief minister Virbhadra Singh, said that both Virbhadra Singh and Pratibha Singh are in public life, but they are taking loan from private individuals despite having around Rs 10 crore in their bank accounts. 

Why they have taken loan from private individuals and at what capacity? They should explain," Arun Dhumal. 

Arun Dumal further claimed that Virbhadra Singh should explain their relations with Vakamulla Chandershekhar and at what terms and conditions they have taken the loan and for what purpose. "They should also tell whether in lieu of loan, any favour was granted to Vakamulla and when the loan would be repaid," he added. 

Reacting to the allegations, minister for housing and urban development Sudhir Sharma and excise and taxation minister Prakash Chaudhary said that Dhumal family was trying to divert public attention from their wrong doings by unnecessarily raising non-issues. They had stooped to the lowest level of meanness by indulging in mud-slinging, the ministers added. 

Regarding the loan, the ministers said that it was a right of an individual to take loan and asked what was wrong in it. "Virbhadra Singh had taken a loan at 12% interest through cheque after adopting the proper procedure and it was duly documented. Arun Dhumal was distributing the illegally obtained copies of income tax returns of Virbhadra Singh to the media, which was an offence in itself. Still, he should have had the common sense to see that the loan is well reflected in various returns and Singh was paying interest on it," they added. 

Sharma and Chaudhary said that instead of pointing fingers at others, Dhumal family should tell people as to how they had grabbed a public school, and acquired a petrol pump and diamond jewelry shop at Jalandhar. 

Arun Dhumal, who was a manager of Delhi Public School, Jalandhar cheated the other two partners, Rajeev Bhatnagar and Vipin Mahajan, by bringing in another partner Sanjeev Vohra and Associates as chartered accountants and grabbed the entire property and school. The matter is in the court where Arun Dhumal is accused of cheating," alleged the ministers. 

They said that Dhumal family should also disclose as to how Anurag Thakur obtained bonafide certificates of both Punjab and Himachal Pradesh -- that of Punjab to get a petrol pump and of Himachal Pradesh to take control of HPCA. People also want to know as to how Prem Kumar Dhumal was having more than one PAN card, they added.

Chief Minister lauds the role of HPSEB employees for total electrification

Chief Minister, Shri Virbhadra Singh said that few Districts, Sub-Divisions and Tehsils headquarters were electrified when Himachal Pradesh was formed but all the villages were electrified way back in 1987-88 in the State. Lauding the role of employees of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board, he said that it was made possible due to their sincere efforts who worked hard despite of tough terrain and climate. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh was speaking at the State level Convention of H.P. State Electricity Board Employees Union (HPSEBEU) at Peterhof today. He said that overall development of the State was the prime objective of the Government. He said that the State Government had safeguarded the interests and ensured the welfare of the employees who play an important role in development. He said that the Congress Government does not believe in discrimination with employees and had maintained cordial relations with them in order to provide clean, transparent and effective administration to the people of the State. 

Chief Minister said that 672 functional posts in the HP State Electricity Board would be filled up during the current year, which include 315 posts of T-mates, 86 posts of Junior Engineers, 100 posts of Computer Operators and other functional posts of SDO’s, Lineman, Electrician, Sub-Station Attendants, Junior Draftsman’s, Accountants, Account Officers, Steno-typists and Law Officers. Besides during the next two years, 650 functional posts in each year would be filled up, he added. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that earlier HPSEB was one entity but due to change in norms at National level its diversification was made and he was never interested in it. But it happened during the successive Governments regime and now the Generation and Transmission were separate units and we have to work accordingly as per the changed scenario. He said that recently he visited the Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi and Kinnaur tribal areas where there was need for the improvement in electricity supply infrastructure. He said that now the emphasis was given to make further improvement to provide reliable and quality power supply in all areas of the State.

Chief Minister said that the 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Project was envisaged during the regime of former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi in which 75:25 share was for SJVNL and Himachal Pradesh respectively. He said that Shri Rajiv Gandhi asked him to enhance the States share but due to financial constraints it could not be done. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that BJP Government had allotted all hydroelectric projects to the private companies without having the share of Himachal Pradesh which had resulted into massive loss to the State. He said that he had asked the private companies to ensure 70 percent employment to the Himachali’s at all levels. 

Chief Minister said that previous Government had made much fan-fare that they were providing four CFL bulbs free of cost to the consumers by taking back four common bulbs from them. He said that HPSEBL has taken loan of Rs. 80 crore for launching this scheme and later on the same was charged from the consumers which was cheating with the people of State. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that maximum big projects had already been allotted for commissioning to the private sector and he was not against them but it would be ensured that they were constructed properly, timely without harming the environment and interests of local people. He said that Bhakra, Pong Dam and BSL projects were constructed on the rivers and land of State which had ousted many families and the State Government was making efforts for their rehabilitation. He said that the State Government would make all efforts to get its due share of BBMB project from the concerned the States. 

MPP and Power Minister, Shri Sujan Singh Pathania said that the State Government had allotted four projects to the HPSEBL and on their completion another project of 100 MW would be given to HPSEBL. 

President HPSEBEU, Shri Kuldeep Kharwarsa, General Secretary, Shri Hira Lal Verma, former General Secretary, Shri Chander Singh Mandyal, President Corporate Sector, Shri Govind Chatranta also spoke on the occasion.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Shri Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chairman HP State Agriculture Marketing Board, Shri Subhash Manglet, former Deputy Mayor, Shri Harish Janartha, MD HPSEBL, Shri P.C. Negi, MD HPPCL, Shri D.K. Sharma, MD HPPTCL, Shri Sushil Chandera Shriwastwa and other senior officers and office bearers and members of HPSEBEU were present in large number on the occasion.

Dhumal's son questions Virbhadra's income

Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal's son Tuesday questioned the increase in Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh's income from apple orchards between 2008 to 2011 when he was union steel minister.

The revised income-tax returns filed by Virbhadra Singh for 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 show a huge increase in his agricultural income from a few lakhs to crores, Dhumal's youngest son Arun Singh, facing a criminal case in a land purchase case by violating statutory provisions of land laws, said.

"Virbhadra Singh filed revised income-tax returns for three years on March 2, 2012, in which the agricultural income of a few lakhs of rupees as already disclosed has increased abnormally," Arun told reporters in Shimla.

He questioned how Singh's income had risen so dramatically in these years. "Interestingly, the aggregate income again declined massively in the subsequent year (2011-12) to Rs.25 lakh."

"Under which income-tax rules has he filed the returns. All returns filed later on are not allowed by tax law," he said.

Arun said in his original income-tax returns filed in 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11, Virbhadra showed his aggregate income as Rs.23,73,938, Rs.59,67,584 and Rs.40,13,712. But in the revised returns filed on March 2, 2012, his income rose to Rs.2.37 crore, Rs.3.25 crore and Rs.1.70 crore, respectively.

However, in 2006-07 his aggregate income was Rs.22,56,809.

"It seems large amounts of cash income was unauthorisedly generated by Virbhadra Singh," he said.

Earlier, another Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley had alleged that Virbhadra had modified his income-tax returns during 2008-11 through "forgery" and increased his income by Rs.6.15 crore.

"It is not merely a case of corruption or income-tax evasion. It's a case of forgery and crime," Jaitley told reporters in Shimla in October last year just ahead of the assembly elections.

At that time, the BJP had also attacked the Congress leader on the alleged Ispat Industries payoffs, wherein a diary entry of Rs.2.28 crore was marked against the initials "VBS" during the period when he was the steel minister.

"It clearly appears that large amounts of cash income have been unauthorisedly generated for the benefit of Virbhadra Singh and his family members. The attempt was to deposit this cash in a bank account held by Anand Chauhan (an LIC agent) from where it is paid towards the LIC premiums (of Singh and his family)," Jaitley had said.

The vigilance and anti-corruption bureau Oct 3 registered a first information report (FIR) in a land deal against Dhumal's sons, MP Anurag Thakur and his brother Arun Singh.

Police officials said the FIR was registered in the 2008 land deal by the duo when Dhumal was the chief minister.

Official sources said 32 'marla' land in Dharamsala, some 250 km from the state capital, was allotted to a landless person, Premu, on compassionate grounds in 1992.

"The land couldn't be transferred further for 20 years. But it was sold and even transferred in the name of Anurag in 2008 even before the lock-in period expired," said an official. 

State Government Committed for Development Areas: CM

Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh said that the State Government was committed for uniform and balanced development of the State and special emphasis was being given for tribal areas so as to bring them in main stream. He was addressing a public meeting at Udaipur in Lahaul & Spiti district today. 

Earlier he paid obeisance in Mata Mrikula Devi temple, Udaipur. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that the State Government had allocated Rs. 369 crores under Tribal Sub-Plan for the year 2013-14, which was 11 per cent higher than the previous year. Total budget of Rs. 764 crores have been allocated including Non-Plan allocations to ensure speedy development of tribal areas. He said that Rs. 3.60 crore would be spent on roads, bridges and buildings in Lahaul Division during current fiscal. Apart from it Rs. 25 lakh would be spent on metaling and tarring under NABARAD, he added. 

Chief Minister said that the State Government had provided free travel facility in HRTC buses to all the students studying in Government schools from their homes to school and back and free school uniforms would be provided to all the students studying in Government schools under ‘Mahatma Gandhi Vardi Yojna’. He said that Rs. 41 lakh were being spent for qualitative improvement in education and technical education in the Lahaul valley. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that the State Government had enhanced the Social Security Pension from Rs. 450 to Rs. 500 per month and senior citizens above 80 years would be given social security pension of Rs. 1000 per month. He said that Rs. 88 lakh had been allocated to provide social security pension in Lahaul valley during current fiscal year. 

He said that Rs. 1.73 crore had been allocated for agriculture sector in Lahaul valley under Tribal Sub-Plan. Besides, Rs. 46 lakh were being spent to provide subsidized seeds, fertilizers and pesticides under Special Central Assistance. He said that Rs. 10 lakh were being spent under National Agriculture Development Scheme while 44.36 lakh would be spent under ‘Kisan Bagwan Samridhi Yojna’. He said that agriculturists of Lahaul valley were being provided subsidized potato and pea seeds. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that there was no dearth of money for the development of tribal areas and targets were being set for the officers to ensure proper utilization of funds. He took strict notice of slow pace of certain development schemes in Lahaul valley and said strict action would be taken against the concerned officers. He said that contractors who do not complete their assigned work in stipulated time would be blacklisted. He directed the officers to ensure the completion of construction work of Udaipur stadium before winters. 

Chief Minister said that the transfers of Government officers and employees would not be cancelled in tribal areas and they have to join their duties otherwise their promotions would be affected. He said that vacant posts in various departments such as education and health etc. would be filled up on priority basis in Lahaul valley. He said that demand of opening Sub-BDO office at Udaipur would be considered sympathetically. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that appropriate funds would be provided to mitigate the damages occurred in Mayad valley due to natural calamity. He also announced Rs. 10 lakh for setting up a span at Karpat village to facilitate the farmers to send their products to the markets. He said that interests of local people would be safe guarded while constructing the power projects in the tribal areas. 

Later, while addressing a public meeting at Keylong, Chief Minister said that the UPA Government had brought revolutionary Food Security Act to provide food security to the people. He said that it would benefit about 37 lakh people in the State who would get three kgs wheat at Rs. two per kg and two kg rice at Rs. 3 per kg. while the families not covered under this Act would continue to get subsidized ration i.e. three pulses, two edible oils, sugar, rice, flour and iodized salt on previous pattern. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that people of the State should welcome setting up of hydel projects as they benefit not only the State but also the country, as power was must for development. He said that large number of people were displaced due to construction of Bhakra and Pong Dam while least were affected due to 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Project. He said that the Government would allow only run of river projects as they affect minimum population. He assured that the affected people would be given proper compensation in these projects. He said that projects upto 5 MW would be given only to Himachalis and preference would be given to them upto 25 MW projects so that people of State come forward in this sector.

Chief Minister said that the Government would provide relief of Rs. 86 lakh to the Lahaul Potato Society which suffered huge losses due to rottening of 21,667 bags of potatoes in the year 2011-12. He said that if there were enough money available in this budget the same would be released this year otherwise it would be provided in two instalments. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh announced to upgrade Government High Schools Gosal and Chimrat to Government Senior Secondary Schools. 

Member Parliament Smt. Pratibha Singh said that she was striving hard to ensure the speedy development of Lahaul-Spiti alongwith other areas of Mandi Parliamentary Constituency. She also expressed her gratitude for providing massive mandate to ensure her victory in recent held by-elections. 

MLA Shri Ravi Thakur welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed about the various development activities being carried out in Lahaul valley. He also put forth the various demands of the area. 

Former MLA Shri Raghuvir Singh Thakur, Tribal Advisory Committee Member Shri Pyaray Lal, Panchayat Pradhan Shri Shamsher Singh, Congress leader Shri Jai Ram, Shri Sansar Chand and President District Youth Congress Shri Deepak Thakur also spoke on the occasion. President Block Congress Udaipur Shri Dalip Bodh presented vote of thanks at Udaipur.

While at Keylong MLA Shri Ravi Thakur, former MLA Shri Raghuvir Singh Thakur, President Block Samiti Shri Norbo Pans, Tribal Advisory Council Member Shri Nabag Bodh and President Mahila Congress Ms. Shashi Kiran also spoke. 

Forest Minister Shri Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Advisor to Chief Minister Shri T.G. Negi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister & Tribal Development Shri V.C. Pharka, DC Lahaul-Spiti Shri Beer Singh Thakur, SP Shri Shiv Kumar and prominent persons were present on the occasion. 

Chief Minister lays foundation stone of Rs. 20.80 crore Mini Secretariat building at Killar

Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh was given a rousing reception on his arrival at Killar today on beginning of his five days tour of tribal areas of the State. Member Parliament, Mandi constituency Smt. Pratibha Singh and Forest Minister Shri Thakur Singh Bharmouri also accompanied the Chief Minister. 

Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of Mini Secretariat building at Killar to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 20.80 crores. On completion it would provide the facilities to the people of area for getting their works pertaining to various departments done under one roof. The six storied building would have Resident Commissioner, SDM, BDO, Agriculture, Veterinary, I&PR and other offices alongwith parking facility. 

Speaking on the occasion Shri Virbhadra Singh directed the officers working in tribal areas to complete the on-going works keeping in view the limited working season in these areas so that the they do not hamper due to adverse weather condition in ensuing winter. He directed the officers to complete the construction work of Government Degree College Killar and Hospital building at earliest. 

Chief Minister said that tribal areas of the State had rich cultural heritage which needed to be preserved and promoted. He said that the State Government was making efforts to promote these areas as religious tourism destinations. He said that famous temple of Mata Mindal would be taken under Government control and proper upkeep and maintenance would be done to facilitate the pilgrims. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that the present State Government had made significant achievements during last nine months and many important decisions had been taken which would go a long way in accelerating the development of the State. He said that previous Government had neglected interests of the people and various jobs were provided on the basis of party lines whereas the present Government was committed to provide jobs on ability and merit basis. He said that the State Government was endeavouring to fill up all the vacant functional posts in tribal and hard areas of the State and preference would be given to the local youth. 

Chief Minister said that the State Government was striving to connect tribal and hard areas with tunnels, which would not only reduce the distances but would also boost tourism activities in these areas. He said that a tunnel would be constructed at Chehni and Rs. 30 lakh have been sanctioned for conducting its survey. 

Chief Minister announced to upgrade Government High School Karyuni to Government Senior Secondary School, Government Middle Schools Shore, Phindru and Karyas to Government High Schools and opening of a Primary School at village Chlasri. He also announced to open HRTC Sub-Depot at Killar and Veterinary Dispensary at village Chaloli. He announced the construction of foot-bridge at Sandhari. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh announced Rs. 10,000 each to Mahila Mandals who presented cultural programme on the occasion. He also announced Rs. 5,000 each to the school students who presented National Anthem and National Song. 

Chief Minister also inspected the Hospital and work of College building which is under construction. 

M.P. Smt. Pratibha Singh thanked the people of Pangi Valley for their overwhelming support to ensure her victory in recent held elections. She said that Congress Governments had always given top priority to the development of tribal areas. She said that matter regarding installing TV tower at Killar and improvement in BSNL services in area would be taken up with the Central Government She thanked Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi to introduce the Food Security Act, which would ensure that nobody remains hungry in the country. 

Forest Minister Shri Thakuri Singh Bharmouri while welcoming the Chief Minister said that Pangi area of Chamba district remained neglected by the previous Government and people suffered a lot as many posts in various key departments remained vacant. He requested the Chief Minister to fill up the vacant posts of Pangi area on priority. He thanked the Chief Minister to sanction Rs. 30 lakh for the survey of Chehni tunnel. He also apprised the Chief Minister about various demands of the area. 

Tribal Advisory Council Member Shri Ram Charan Rana and Member BoD Forest Corporation Shri Subhash Chauhan also spoke on the occasion.

Advisor to Chief Minister Shri T.G. Negi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister & Tribal Development Shri V.C. Pharka, Resident Commissioner Pangi Shri Inder Singh Bhardwaj and prominent persons of the valley were also present on the occasion.